Eastern Michigan University will be holding its Winter Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 14, 2025, at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. Graduates are to arrive at the location and check in no later than 8:30 a.m., with the ceremony itself beginning at 9:30 a.m.
For those who cannot attend the ceremony in person, a livestream will be available through the Commencement page on EMU's website and on EMU's YouTube channel. The livestream is set to begin and be viewable once the ceremony starts.
Each graduate is allotted six free guest tickets for the ceremony. No additional tickets or exceptions will be permitted. All attendees, excluding children under the age of two, will require a ticket for entry.
John Bodary, president and owner of Woods Construction and Interiors and former graduate of EMU's construction management program, is set to speak at the ceremony. Since his graduation from the program in 1984, he has remained closely tied to the university, being awarded Alumni of the Year in 1995 and working as an EMU Foundation Trustee.
Alongside Bodary, Jim Webb, former chair of the EMU Board of Regents, will be receiving recognition. Both Bodary and Webb will be awarded an honorary doctoral degree in Commercial Science, an honor awarded to recognize an individual's contributions to society both on campus and outside of higher education.
What to expect
EMU graduates are not to bring any coats, purses, selfie sticks or other personal items onstage or into the arena for the ceremony. The ceremony itself is expected to last approximately two hours.
All attendees will be be subject to metal detector screening once they enter the George Gervin GameAbove Center.
The following items are exceptions for those who intend to bring items inside:
- Attendees may bring a small clutch no larger than 4 inches by 6 inches; a clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches with one side completely clear of any logo or decoration; or one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
- Diaper bags, medically necessary items, child carriers and small camera bags are permitted. However, it is encouraged that these items be brought into the arena inside a clear see-through bag.
- For media and staff, additional bags holding equipment may be permitted. However, these items will still be subjected to a metal detector screening prior to being let inside.
Free parking is available in both the George Gervin GameAbove Center and Rynearson Stadium lots, as well as east of the George Gervin GameAbove Center lot if the weather permits. With limited spots, guests are encouraged to arrive to the lot an hour before the ceremony.
All graduates who plan to attend the Commencement ceremony must wear regalia approved through EMU. As of late November, both undergraduate and graduate regalia can be purchased at Eastern Outfitters both online and in person. Located on the bottom floor of the Student Center, Eastern Outfitters is open to students from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. For more information on purchasing and renting regalia, the due dates for each and additional rules for the ceremony, visit the Commencement ceremony website.
The George Gervin GameAbove Center is located at 799 N. Hewitt Road in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Those with additional questions can contact the Commencement Office at emu_commencement@emich.edu.
